Latest News Archive
Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
25 September 2024
|
Story Jacky Tshokwe
|
Photo Supplied
Prof Louise Cilliers, University of the Free State (UFS) research fellow and former head of the Department of Classical Studies.
Prof Louise Cilliers, one of our esteemed research fellows and former head of the Department of Classical Studies, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 UJ Translation Prize. Prof Cilliers received this accolade for her exceptional Afrikaans translation of the renowned Greek poet Konstantinos Kavafis' poetry collection, Van Alexandrië na Ithaka, published by Naledi.
Konstantinos Kavafis (1863-1933) is considered one of the most important literary figures in modern Greek poetry, known for his reflective and often philosophical poems that explore themes of history, identity, and human experience. In Van Alexandrië na Ithaka, Prof Cilliers brings the essence of Kavafis’ work to Afrikaans readers, carefully preserving the poet’s rich symbolism, historical depth, and emotional nuances.
Prof Cilliers has had a distinguished academic career, having served as head of the Department of Classical Studies. Her expertise in classical languages and literature, coupled with her passion for translation, made her an instrumental figure in making classical texts more accessible to a broader audience. This award is not only a testament to her scholarly achievements, but also to her dedication to the cultural and literary enrichment of the Afrikaans language.
The UJ Prize for Translation honours outstanding translations of literary works into any of South Africa’s official languages. Prof Cilliers' recognition continues the department's proud tradition of excellence in classical scholarship and language studies.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof Cilliers for this remarkable achievement and are excited to celebrate her continued contributions to the field of classical studies and translation.
About the UJ Translation Prize
The University of Johannesburg Translation Prize celebrates the best translations of literary works into any of South Africa’s official languages. It aims to promote high standards of literary translation and showcase the importance of bringing international literary voices into the local context through translation.
First Black Rag Queen wants to give voice to voiceless
2017-02-22
The winners of the 2017 Amanzi Coronation
ball are, from the left: Devina Harry,
Second Princess; Kgomotso Sebusi,
First Princess; Prudence Mahlaba, Rag Queen;
Suhail Peerbhai, Mr Rag; Jordan Nadasen,
First Runner-up; and Mohlale Matlala,
Second Runner-up.
Photo: Gerhardus Bosch
“It is true what they say about your purpose driving you towards your goal. The ride to eventually becoming the first black RAG Queen was motivated by a pure desire in my heart to help other people.”
This is the moving words of Prudence Mahlaba, who was crowned Rag Queen at the Amanzi Coronation Ball on Friday 17 February 2017. Suhail Peerbhai, a second-year BCom Economics student, was crowned Mr Rag 2017.
Giving a voice to the voiceless
Mahlaba says she wants to make a positive impact, “not only on the less fortunate, but also on the voiceless.” The fourth-year LLB student strives to adhere to the vision of the acronym RAG (Receive and Give). RAG is mainly about a good cause in order to make a difference.
“It is beauty with a purpose, practising what you preach, and doing unto others what you want them to do unto you,” Mahlaba said.
It was a night of glitz and glamour as the finalists made a last bid for the sought-after titles at the prestigious event held at the Student Church on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State.
Role provide foundation for change
“Becoming Mr Rag is an exceptional feeling; however, this role entails much more responsibility,” Peerbhai said. “At a time like this, it has given me a solid foundation to make a difference in communities that are less fortunate.”
His advice to future participants in the contest is, “to go for it, since it entails the most life-changing challenges students in our era can face. No classroom teachings can provide you with the same values and experiences.”